Game Log

The Feast of Santa Sophia

Game Date: 01/06/06
The feast of Santa Sophia is imminent, and the Donati family is very busy.

Gabrielle, apparently reaching the breaking point over Teodora, confided to Antonio's wives Gianina and Francesca that she'd quite like to see the old hag relegated to a country villa somewhere. She even floated the idea of somehow arranging it so that Teodora's Sorte powers are seeming to fail, although she had no idea how or if such a thing could be done. The sisters were noncommital at the moment, unsure of Gabrielle's motives - despite her veiled assurances that, no matter whose husband ends up as Lord Donati, there would be a place for Gianina in the household - oh, and of course her sister as well.

Father Donati was somewhat put out to discover that the musicians he hoped to hire to entertain at the disbursement of bread and oil to the poor had already been hired by Giorgio Masacci to perform at his private feast. Annoyed, he decided to just hire less stellar musicians, but twice as many. (Pietra quietly decided that what Father Donati wants, Father Donati should get.) Messengers from Don Antonio summoned the priest to the family home, to speak about possible wives. He went reluctantly, and agreed to see Lady Ellen Locke of Avalon. Her grandfather was Vodacce, and Unbound; Don Antonio hoped any male children might inherit the trait. He even suggested that, possibly, such children could be made the Donati heirs if he continued to have ill luck siring any legitimate children on his wives. Father Donati made it clear he wouldn't commit to the idea of marrying Lady Ellen before he'd even met her. Later, he informed the ladies of Santa Sophia that he hoped they'd make her welcome, certain that they'd do precisely the opposite.

Gianina, Francesca and Gabrielle went shopping in the city for new dresses for the feast. Cristoforo and Marco went along as bodyguards, and Cristoforo was his usual boorish self. Returning home, a running man barreled into Gianina, pressing a paper into her hands and begging her to return it to him at the feast of Santa Sophia, before continuing to run. Cristoforo took off after him; six men in Masacci colors were also right behind. Cris, losing the man, decided to vent his aggression on the Masacci instead.

Returning to Santa Sophia, Father Donati was greeted with intelligence from Pietra: the musicians were willing to work the feast if the lead musician could meet Donna Gianina; also, if they could be protected from Masacci anger. The canny young woman suggested that, if Count Barozzi were to command them to perform at the church function, they would have no choice but to obey. Father Donati went straightaway to see his brother Bernardo, who was happy enough to bring him before the count. The priest's silver tongue quickly had the count convinced that the musicians should be performing where everyone could hear them, and the count decided to offer his own personal performers to the Masacci as an honor, to make up for the inconvenience.

Salvador was sent to welcome Lady Ellen outside of Monfalcone; the Avalonian woman was mannishly forward and forthright, and not at all accustomed to certain Vodacce habits. Something of a scholar herself, she chatted happily with Salvador in Castillian on matters of chemistry as they rode into town. Introductions went quite well; dinner was somewhat strained, as Teodora clearly did not approve of Lady Ellen. Francesca, noting that Ellen had ridden her own horse into town, suggested to Marco that a ride through the countryside with herself and Gianina around Malfalcone might appeal to her. Marco very quickly agreed, very happy to accompany the ladies.

Before bed, Francesca requested her husband's company, sounding out his opinion on Ellen. Antonio found her, well, domineering and mannish, but was confident that his willful half-brother would have no trouble with such a woman; moreover, she would be the exact sort of active wife who could support him and his church ably as he continued to rise to power. Gianina, alone and knowing Antonio would be occupied with Francesca for some time, finally looked at the letter, but could make no sense of the writing. She decided not to ask Gabrielle or Ellen to read it for her.

The next morning, Father Donati got a letter from Father Masacci, offering additional alms for the poor. He wrote a note back, indicating that he would of course accept them.

Also the next morning, at the Barozzi court, Salvador was filling in the courtiers on the gossip about Lady Ellen and her purpose in town when a royal visitor was announced: Don Viscounti Tigran "Lorenzo" Mondavi, second cousin and favored companion of Prince Alcide Mondavi. Don Tigran arrived early, without a train, apparently to enjoy the festivities of Santa Sophia.

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